Page 89 of Fauxmance

Hayden's smile turned real then. "Nah, Mom, I'm here to stay."

"That's good because we have missed you. And I can't wait to meet this girl who—"

The woman's voice was incredibly familiar, but it wasn't until the crowd cleared, and she turned around that I knew for sure.

Dr. Moorehousestared at me as I stared at her. Surprise, shock, confusion. They all played across her features. I knew exactly how she felt.

"—you brought with you," she finished.

There were several beats of awkward silence. But hey, at least she'd regained her voice.

I was currently struggling with that.

"Hi," she said hesitantly, "Magnolia, what are you doing here?"

"She's with me," Hayden said before I could respond.

Her eyes shot to her son. "And you two are…?"

"Together? Yeah." Hayden tucked my hand in his. "Don't look so shocked, Mom. People do date, you know."

Her eyes came back to mine, and I saw the recognition there.

Hayden and I weren't dating.

We were fake dating.

And Dr. Moorehouse (aka Hayden's mom) knew that.

I wasn't the only one who had some explaining to do.

CHAPTER 17

"You're Hayden's mom?"

"Hayden's the guy you were talking about?"

We both spoke at the same time, and that wouldn't do. Right after our initial introduction, Dr.Moorehousehad grabbed my hand, asking if I would accompany her to the bathroom, and I'd been eager to escape. The shock was still riding high. I needed answers.

We were currently in a little alcove outside of the bathroom, talking in hushed voices. It was semi-hidden, dimly lit, and offered more privacy. No one needing to use the facilities would interrupt us. And if anyone did come this way, either the doctor or I would see them coming from a mile away.

"Magnolia," she said, "what is going on here? I'm so confused."

"You and me both," I said. "I thought your last name wasMoorehouse."

"It is," she said. "Or I should say it was."

When I lifted a brow, she explained.

"Moorehouseis my maiden name. I still use it professionally because I want to make it on my own."

"So you have, like, what? A secret identity?"

"I guess you could say that. Anyone who schedules an appointment with me does it for my expertise, not because of the Davenport name."

"Oh," I said. "That makes sense."

It would've been nice to know before my last appointment, however.

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